Pender County Board of Commissioners approves plan for emergency services merger
BURGAW, NC (WWAY) – The Pender County Board of Commissioners voted to bring most of fire protection and Emergency Medical Services under the county’s operation.
The board was presented with two options at the meeting. One option would have brought all departments under county control at a cost of around $2.6 million.
The other option did not include the Rocky Point Fire Department. The Rocky Point Fire Department is the only department that operates independently of Pender EMS & Fire staffing. It is also the only department that operates on the fire tax.
The merger of all the other services would cost about $1.8 million, which commissioners approved in a 3-2 vote.
Commissioner Brad George raised concerns about the Rocky Point Fire Department’s ability to operate during hurricanes, pointing to some issues the department had during Hurricane Florence in 2018. He and Commissioner Jimmy Tate voted against the motion.
The merger would create a new Emergency Services Department in the county to increase efficiency by reducing the number of departments operating within the county.
The department would be organized with an Emergency Services Director at the head. The Fire Division would assume all fire protective services that are provided by Pender EMS & Fire, Penderlea Fire Department, Maple Hill Fire Department, and Rocky Point Fire Department.
Now approved, the goal is for the transfer of the emergency services to the county to be completed by July 1, 2026. Parties involved will sign memorandums of understanding by July 15, 2025.
